‘Vikings’ season 4: Ragnar was supposed to die in season 1

“Vikings” season 4 episode 16 is highly anticipated, especially after the last episode titled “All His Angels,” in which the fans were left in shock to observe the painful death of their favourite character Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel).

The infamous Viking has died and it’s tough for the fans to imagine the story of the show thereafter. However, many are still not aware of the fact that Ragnar was supposed to die in season 1.

Why didn’t Ragnar die in season 1

Audience feel that the death came early to Ragnar but the fact is that it was delayed by the showrunner Michael Hirst, who said that he had initially drafted Ragnar’s death in season 1. However, later he realised that Ragnar was a strong character, a “flawed hero through whom the story of the rise of the Viking culture was told,” he told Screener TV.

Hirst said that when Fimmel had joined the show, all he was given was the first three episodes along with his initial bible, in which Ragnar died at the end of the first season. However, he later “realized what I had and the stories I needed to tell and the actors I had, that opened up completely.”

Ragnar’s death was tough for the showrunner as well

Hirst revealed that as the show went along, his closeness with Fimmel and his character grew. He said that writing Ragnar’s death was very difficult for him and watching it on the small screen was even more difficult. (Certainly, “Vikings” fans agree with this.)

Reminiscing an old incident, Hirst revealed in an interview how once Fimmel and he were very casual about Ragnar’s death but when the day arrived, they were equally devastated as the fans were.

“I remember talking to Travis at one point about it and saying, ‘You know Travis, you’re going to die soon. How are you feeling about this?’ And being Australian, he said, ‘You know mate, piece of cake! I don’t mind at all.’”

Hirst cried watching Travis Fimmel’s performance during the death scene

Hirst said that Fimmel’s performance during the death scene was so powerful that he cried after watching it. “This was the end of a long and fascinating and deep journey for me, as well as for Travis,” he said.

Time and again, Hirst stated it is the story of Ragnar and his sons. However, the fans often missed the latter part. It is only after the death of Ragnar the fans realised that the story of his sons is equally important. It is said that Ivar (Alex Høgh Andersen) and Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) will become even more popular than Ragnar.

Read More: ‘Vikings’ season 4: Ivar, Bjorn will become more famous than Ragnar

The fans will see in “Vikings” season 4 episode 16 how the story of Ragnar’s son, who will gear up to take revenge of their father’s death, will follow. The next episode will air on Jan.4 at 9PM ET. The season is scheduled to air in Australia on SBS One from Jan.11 at 8:30PM.